¡Muy Bonita! The Westin Playa Bonita Opens in Panama

Ranked as the number one travel destination for 2012 by The New York Times, Panama beckons visitors with the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, stunning landscapes, and indigenous cultures.

Now you can experience it all amid the luxurious Westin Playa Bonita, a brand new $100 million luxury beach property.

Osvaldo Librizzi, president of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Latin America, shares, ""We are delighted to launch our first Westin Resort in Panama, a destination that is seeing significant growth in both the tourism and business sectors. The Westin Playa Bonita is a magnificent hotel and we are proud to have it join our portfolio of hotels in Panama. The hotel features Westin’s signature offerings and services which global travelers have come to expect and enjoy."

Panamanian Paradise

The 611-room property is a secluded getaway, where you can settle into a spacious room or luxurious suite and enjoy on-site amenities such as six fine dining restaurants, an open-air VIP lounge, and three infinity edge pools. To preserve the pristine surroundings, the property is also part of the Breathe Westin® initiative, ensuring that the entire property is smoke-free.

"The unveiling of Panama’s first Westin hotel is one of the most exciting developments the destination has seen in decades; one that is sure to redefine the country’s travel industry," stated Herman Bern, President of Bern Hotels and Resorts. "The Westin Playa Bonita offers an exclusive luxury experience, which truly captures Panamá’s natural beauty and modern appeal.

Featuring top-of-the-line accommodations and cutting edge amenities in the beautiful up-and-coming destination of Panama, The Westin Playa Bonita will cater to a wide range of sophisticated international guests, whether they’re traveling for business or pleasure." For the business traveler, The Westin Playa Bonita boasts 62,000-square-feet of meeting and event space - the largest in Central America.

Beyond the on-site amenities, the property boasts easy access to Panama’s most sought-after sites and experiences. Casco Viejo (The Old Quarter) is an UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can appreciate the plazas and immaculate gardens. For food lovers, a visit to the Mercado de Mariscos (fish market), a cold Balboa (the local beer), and an empanada from a street vendor will stimulate your palette.

No visit to Panama would be complete without a tour of the Panama Canal, which is only six miles away. The Westin’s 24-hour concierge service can assist in arranging a tour that suits your itinerary. For other natural adventures, consider whale watching on the Pacific Ocean, fishing off the islands of Las Perlas, or exploring the tropical wildlife at Punta Bruja Nature Reserve.

For shopping and nightlife, head to Panama City where the economy seems to be flourishing with new construction, plenty of galleries and cafes, and clubs to keep you out until the wee hours of the morning.

Whether you choose to bask in the sun at the resort or plan a more adventurous getaway, the Westin Playa Bonita will provide the picture-perfect backdrop for your visit to Panama.

CLICK HERE for special offers and exclusive packages from the Westin Playa Bonita.

Matthew Wexler is EDGE's National Style and Travel Editor. More of his writing can be found at www.roodeloo.com. He is also a trained chef and currently writing a food memoir.

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